Category: Science

Back of Book:
The Apollo 11 astronauts have prepared carefully for their attempt to be the first men to land on the moon. The young narrator of this book has prepared carefully, too: he explains the design of the spacecraft, the flight from the earth to the moon, and the drama of touching down–while shadowing the astronaut’s voyage with one of his own.
My Review:
I received a copy of this picture book from Roaring Brook Press in exchange for an honest review.
This book follows the authors real-life story of watching man step onto the moon for the first time. The text is a fantastic blend of history and science. It captures the emotions of the first moon landing while covering STEAM topics in an exciting way. Chris described every detail in a way that allows readers to feel like they are experiencing this huge event with him. The story also focuses on Chris’s personal life as he creates and builds his own rocket. The illustrations bring the story to life with bright and vivid images. I was amazed at the detail within each picture. The back of the book has a note from the author about how the moon landing forever changed him. The back of the book also has a page of fun facts and a glossary of the terms used throughout the book.
This is a perfect book to share in the celebration of the Apollo 11 anniversary. I highly recommend this book.
Ages 6 and up
48 Pages

Back of Book:
From high up in the sky, the Moon has spent her whole life watching Earth and hoping for someone to visit. Dinosaurs roam, pyramids are built, and boats are made, but still, no one comes. Will friends ever come to visit her?
Commemorate the extraordinary Apollo 11 spaceflight mission with this heartwarming story of the Moon who just wants a friend.
My Review:
I received a copy of this picture book from Source Books Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
This book is out just in time for the Apollo 11 moon landing and is a perfect addition to any space unit.
I love that this picture book is unique in that it is written from the perspective of the moon. The moon is the queen of the night sky, but it doesn’t stop her from being extremely lonely. She looks down on earth and wishes that someone would come and visit her. The book goes through a progression of time that showcases popular periods and eras. Finally, man makes it to the moon. This story is the perfect blend of history and fun. It teaches readers about the moon landing in a whimsical and engaging way. The illustrations by Elisa Paganelli are bright and cheerful. They perfectly capture the friendly moon. The back of the book is filled with interesting facts about the moon, the Apollo 11 Voyage, and the rocket that took them there. The book also includes a QR code that can be scanned so readers can hear Neil Armstrong’s voice.
This is a great story and one that will be enjoyed over and over again.
Ages 5 and up
40 Pages

Back of Book:
Nova has a big appetite for stars, so when she decides to gobble up Earth’s Sun, panic erupts around the globe. Earth needs its Sun to survive! How will it get it back from Nova? One bright little girl just might have a solution.
My Review:
I received a copy of this picture book from Page Street Kids in exchange for an honest review.
I have enjoyed the variety of kidlit books that have come out this year to celebrate the moon landing and all things space related. Nova the Star Eater is unique to this list in that it looks at what would happen to the Earth if the sun disappeared.
Nova the star-eater is busy zooming around space gobbling everything tasty in its path. Suddenly, she swallows the sun and chaos erupts. It takes a children’s perspective to save the world and return the sun to its place in the sky. I love that this story combines fun and humorous concept with true information about all things space related. I also love the message that children often have the best ideas. The illustrations by John Taesoo Kim are bright and lifelike. The back of the book has more information about the sun as well as a glossary of the scientific words used throughout the text. This book is an excellent addition to any space unit!
Ages 5 and up
32 pages

Back of Book:
Have your birthday party on the moon and everyone will come! After all, who wouldn’t want to ride in a rocket and celebrate for a day that lasts as long as a month on Earth? Then, young partygoers could romp in a low-gravity playground; watch candles and balloons behave weirdly in the Moon’s atmosphere; and see why the “moon angels” they make in the thick carpet of lunar dust will last for thousands of years. With each discovery, kids learn the science behind the surprise, explained in terms they’ll understand.

My Review:

I received a copy of this picture book from Sterling Book Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I am so excited that the kidlit world is publishing so many well-written books about the moon. “If you Had Your Birthday Party on the Moon” is a perfect blend of nonfiction information and fun imagination.
Readers get a glimpse into what it would be like to spend time in space. Joyce Lapin weaved in all of the birthday activities that children love to do. Including bouncing, playing games, and exploring. Readers will relate to the experiences that the children in the story are having. I loved that there are text boxes scattered throughout the story that have neat scientific facts and tidbits about the moon. It gives readers a deeper understanding of the unique aspects that make the moon so fascinating.
The illustrations by Simona Ceccarelli are filled with bright images that allow readers to feel like they are in space with the children in the story. The back of the book has a terrific glossary as well as suggestions for further reading. I loved sharing this book in my classroom. It was a perfect read aloud for my science unit. I also used the topic for a writing workshop afterward. I highly recommend this story for the classroom and school libraries.
Ages 5 and up
40 Pages

Back of Book:
Have your birthday party on the moon and everyone will come! After all, who wouldn’t want to ride in a rocket and celebrate for a day that lasts as long as a month on Earth? Then, young partygoers could romp in a low-gravity playground; watch candles and balloons behave weirdly in the Moon’s atmosphere; and see why the “moon angels” they make in the thick carpet of lunar dust will last for thousands of years. With each discovery, kids learn the science behind the surprise, explained in terms they’ll understand.

My Review:

I received a copy of this picture book from Sterling Book Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I am so excited that the kidlit world is publishing so many well-written books about the moon. “If you Had Your Birthday Party on the Moon” is a perfect blend of nonfiction information and fun imagination.
Readers get a glimpse into what it would be like to spend time in space. Joyce Lapin weaved in all of the birthday activities that children love to do. Including bouncing, playing games, and exploring. Readers will relate to the experiences that the children in the story are having. I loved that there are text boxes scattered throughout the story that have neat scientific facts and tidbits about the moon. It gives readers a deeper understanding of the unique aspects that make the moon so fascinating.
The illustrations by Simona Ceccarelli are filled with bright images that allow readers to feel like they are in space with the children in the story. The back of the book has a terrific glossary as well as suggestions for further reading. I loved sharing this book in my classroom. It was a perfect read aloud for my science unit. I also used the topic for a writing workshop afterward. I highly recommend this story for the classroom and school libraries.
Ages 5 and up
40 Pages